Flush coupling assemblies



` Filed April 15, 1959 Feb. ze, I1963.

G. M. slMPKlNs 3,079,178

FLUSH COUPLING ASSEMBLIES 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

GIDEON MAC SIMPKIHS BY G. M. SlMPKlNS Feb. 26, 1963 FLUSH COUPLINGAssEMBLIEs Filed April 13, 1959 s sheets-she? 2 noo ."3

INVENTOR. GIDEON -MAC SIMDKINS BYM'M Vm TTOQN EYS Fb. 26, 1963 G. M.slMPKlNs FLUSH COUPLING ASSEMBLIES 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 13, 1959IN1/Emol; Gmc-0N MAC SIMDKINS ATrorzNevs United States This inventionrelates to complementary flush coupling units and nipple attachmentassemblies, jointly -and individually.

It is an object of the invention to provide a novel coupling assemblymountable within a supporting structure, whether such structure be atank or a conduit connected to a more remote receptacle (or combustionoriiice), so as to have its external coupling face -disposed entirelyilush with the outer face of the supporting structure. The greatadvantage of such construction in structures whose outer skin in exposedto fluid flow, such as aircraft and marine vessels, lwill 'be readilyapparent, but in addition such Hush coupling assemblies possess inherentsafety advantages in connection with stationary mounting or land-basedstructures. Such flush couplings are generally used on the receiving(rather than the delivery) conduit and accordingly ya particularadvantage of my flush coupling is that it immediately and automaticallyseals itself against return fluid ow or dripping from the severed lineupon uncoupling of the delivery conduit.

A further object of the invention is lto provide a nipple couplingassembly keyed for quick connection to my ilus-h coupling as thedelivery conduit therefor.

Another purpose resides in the provision of a closedend conduit mountedin such ush coupling assembly and having lateral apertures norm-allysealed by a retractable sleeve disposed therein and which isautomatically unseated upon coupling my nipple assembly therewith.

A unique advantage of the nipple assembly resides in the construction ofself-locking means operable merely by a quarter-turn of thethrust-inserted assembly. A ifurther advantage resides in thisparticular construction which unlocks for quick rotational uncouplingmerely =by manual retraction of a slidable -abutment collar.

Yet another object is to provide such a coupling assembly havingadditional locking means against accidental uncoupling during uid llowthrough the connected conduit, such locking means operating in responseto fluid pressure in the delivery line; thus, flow must iirst be turnedolf in the coupled delivery conduit before the locking collar can beretracted to permit rotational uncoupling of the unit.

Still another purpose resides in the unique construction of a poppetvalve which is automatically unseated by thrust engagement of the nippleassembly and automatically reseated in the delivery conduit uponretraction of the nipple. Such valve is longitudinally operable in aconduit adjacent a segment of decreased internal diameter of the line,by reason of a cylindrical head section which, being seated, plugs thesection of decreased diameter, and carries a posterior section formed oflongitudinal ns of greater composite diameter than the head, along whichlluid flows when unseated.

Yet another object resides in the provision of novel interactingstructures Ifor simultaneously unseating con duit closure valves in thecoupled nipple and housing assemblies, respectively, by means of thethrust engagement therebetween.

Still another feature comprises visual indicating means to show thelocked position of t-he coupled nipple assembly, as well as audiblemeans for signaling the completed locking action of the unit.

A further purpose resides in a modified construction arent O whichpermits remote uncoupling of the nipple assembly from the ush couplinglby means of a lanyard. Such modification has the additional advantageof remaining coupled only when in locked position so that the hazard ofaccidental uncoupling is still further reduced or eliminated. Stillanother object is to provide interacting conduit-coupling assembliesparticularly adapted to carry fluid under any pressure up to severalthousand p.s.i. such as is found in missile propellant systems; thecoupling assemblies are accordingly especially adapted to carry duidrocket fuel whether gaseous or liquid.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description and claim, the novelty consisting in the featuresof construction, combination of parts, the unique relations of themembers and 4the relative proportioning, disposition, and operationthereof, all as more completely outlined herein and particularly pointedout in the appended claim.

In the drawings, which form part of the present specification:

FIG. 1 is a lateral elevational view of -my Hush coupling assembly andnipple assembly each shown in alignment to be connected, partly in axialsection and with some portions of the nipple assembly broken away;

FIG. 2 is a similar view of the two assemblies connected in lockedposition for fluid flow therethrough, the nipple assembly `being rotatedclockwise Ifrom its uncoupled position of the previous gure;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view o-f the outer abutment face of thecoupling unit mounted flush with a surrounding structural surface asseen along the line 3-3 of FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a corresponding end elevational view of the nipple unit asviewed along the line 4-4 of FIG. l;

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken through the collar of thenpple assembly along the line 5 5 of FIG. 2;

LFIG. 6 is an axial section through the flush coupling housing with someinner structures shown in elevation;

FIG. 7 is a similarview showing the nipple inserted to the iirstcoupling position;

FIG. 8 is a similar view with the nipple collar retracted and the nippleinserted to the second coupling position;

IFIG. 9 is a similar view with the inserted nipple assembly rotated andits collar now extended and seated in locked position;

FIG. l0 is a view of the abutment face similar to FIG. 3 but taken withthe nipple assembly inserted to the rst coupling position andaccordingly shown in transverse section along the line 10--10 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 1l is a similar view taken through the locked assemblies along theline 11-1'1 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of my poppet valve;

iFIGS. 13, 14 yand l5 show a modied construction of my ilush couplingassembly and interlocking nipple connection wherein the nipple-engaginglugs and corresponding seating groove of the housing assembly areessentially helical instead of annular, FIG. 13 showing incompleteportions of the uncoupled assemblies in axial section with somestructures in elevation, FIG. 14 showing the corresponding coupled unitsin locked position;

FIG. l5 is an elevational View of the abutment face of the couplingassembly and adjacent -supporting structure as viewed along the line15--15 of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 16 is a vertical axial section, partly in elevation, of the fluidpressure-responsive lock seen in the nipple assembly of FIG. 2;

More particularly describing the invention, referring first to the flushcoupling assembly, designated 9, there is illustrated an outersupporting structure or skin 10, to the inner face of which is attacheda ange 12 as by a circumferential series of screws 14 or rivets insertedthrough corresponding axially directed apertures 15 so as to disposetheir heads ilush with the skin, the ilange forming the abutment end ofa tubular housing 16. The latter is circumferentially enlarged at itsposterior section 18 and provided with an opposing pair of parallel flatsurfaces 20 for operative engagement of the same by a wrench (notshown).`

A posterior closure plug 22 is provided in the housing, being formedwith an axially projecting, externally threaded nipple 24 for attachmentto a iluid line (not sho-wn) within the supporting structure 10. Theplug has lan inner body portion 26 and au intermediate flange 28. Italso has an axial passage or base 30 terminating in ports 48 to form acontinuous channel for passage of fluid therethrough. Flange 28 is alsoformed with an opposing pair of external, tangential, parallel 4surfaces32 for engagement by a wrench to assemble the same. The body portion 26is externally threaded at 36 to engage corresponding threads 37 on theinner circumference of the housing 18, a sealing O-ring 3S beingdisposed at the crotch of the inner abutment face 40 of the flange.

Anteriorly within the housing 16, the body 26 of the 4plug has twosuccessively circumferentially restricted, forward extensions 42, 44,the latter having a closed abutment end 46 projecting through thesupport wall 10 so as to be flush with the outer face thereof, andhaving the three lateral ports 43 spaced equidistant about the peripheryof a theoretical cone which has its apex in the center of axial channel30. Axially spaced apart from the ports 48 in each direction are one ormore sealing O-rings 52 and 54, respectively.

Also located within the housing 16 and longitudinally slidable along itslbore 50, inward from a position Yflush with the skinf is an annularsleeve which receives the extension 44 ofthe body 26, to the extentthat, upon retraction of the sleeve, the terminal, circumferentiallyapertured section 55 of the neck 44 projects beyond the retracted sleeveuncovering ports 48. The inner end of sleeve 56 is radially restrictedat 58 so as to form an annular abutment shoulder 60 adapted to engageone end of a helical compression spring 62 which is disposed about thesleeve neck 58 rearward to the extension 42 (which section is formedwith a similar circumference) to hold them axially apart. When thespring is compressed in the process of coupling the nipple assembly (ashereafter described), sleeve 56 is correspondingly slid back over theencompassed plug body 44, from a sealing position, overlying the section55 with its ports 48 and their adjacent uid seals 52, 54, (FlG. 1) to aretracted position (FIG. 2) within the housing 16, which completelyclears the apertures to permit fluid flow therethrough.

A particular construction of the sleeve 56 resides in acircumferentially opposed pair of convex, longitudinal keys 64, 66 (FIG.3) ixedly mounted along the outer perimeter of the sleeve, the sidewalls 68 thereof being slanted outward along a radial line correspondingto the Ycircumferential curvature of the key and sleeve and the forwardends 70 thereof normally being disposed flush with the corresponding,outer abutment end of the sleeve. Both sleeve and keys are received incorresponding apertures of the tubular housing 16 so as all to bedisposed ush with the adjacent outer face of the skin thereof when theassembly is in uncoupled or disconnected position, being there lodged byabutment of the shoulder 60 against inwardly projecting annulus 74 ofthe housing and the keys 64, 66 being seated within correspondingkeyways 78 formed along the inner housing face. Thus the ilush couplingassembly, mounted within its contained receptacle or supporting member10 is automatically closed against back iiow and at the same time readyfor instant thrust coupling connection to a feed line, without anymanual manipulation of valves or even the necessity of checking theirposition.

The terminal end of housing 16, adjacent attachment flange 12 is alsoformed with an inwardly opening, peripheral keyway or groove 80 havingits oor or depth coextensive with that of the axial or longitudinalkeyways 78 and provided with a shoulder or stop pin 82 (FIG. 3) to limitrotation of a coupling member inserted therein.

The nipple coupling assembly adapted for quick manual connection anddisconnection to the above-described ilush coupling assembly 9, isdesignated generally by numeral 11. It includes a tubular body or nippleA having a spring-actuated poppet valve B (FIG. l2), axially slidabletherein adjacent the contact end, and an external, springloaded lockingcollar C, anchored against independent rotation and limitedly slidabletherealong so as to abut against the housing skin 10 when assembly 11 isconnected to assembly 9.

The forward end 84 of the tubular nipple A has an external and internaldiameter generally corresponding to the outer end of the keyed sleeve 56(apart from the key portion), and is adapted to abut thereagainst and insuch thrust-engagement with the sleeve, be slidingly received within theterminal aperture 76 of the housing 16, effecting compression of thespring 62 by movement of the forward end 84 thereagainst. Spaced axiallyback from the nipple end, the nipple tube is provided with an outwardlyprojecting, diametrically positioned pair of engaging lugs 86, 88 (FIG.4) having a radial height, lateral taper and peripheral locationcorresponding to that of the sleeve keys 64, 66 so as to be insertableinto the corresponding keyways 78, '79 (FIG. 3) (without contacting thekeys) and thereupon be rotated 90 in the circumferential channel 80 toabut in locking position against the stop pin 82.

Axially posterior to the lugs 86, 88 the nipple is formed with a length90 of similar external circumference adapted to receive a helicalcompression spring 92 thereabout. An adjacent peripherally enlargedsegment 94 provides one abutment shoulder 96 for the spring and isadditionally formed wtih a tangential, at, cut-away surface 98 adaptedto have a tangentially directed locking-pin 100 (FIG. 2) slidetransversely back and forth therein (as hereafter described). Anadjacent stepped section 102 of still greater external diameter isformed with an outer circumferential marker line or channel 104 which ishere located to provide a visual marker, brightly colored if desired,for a purpose subsequently described.

Along the marker line 104 disposed in a generally radial bore 106,extending outward from the axial channel 108 ofthe nipple, there isseated a pressure-actuated valve or lock 110. As here illustrated (FIG.16), it consists essentially of a plug section 111 formed of twocylindrical portions 112, 113 spaced axially apart by a reducedcylindrical neck 114 about which is disposed one or more sealing O-rings115, a pair of backup rings 107, 109, the plug section being axiallymovable within the bore 106 While maintaining its fluid seal of thesame. Radially outward, the lock valve is formed with a conical seatingange 116 succeeded by a cylindrical lock-pin 117 centered on the outerface thereof and encircled by a helical spring 118 disposed normally tohold the pin and valve retracted within a central aperture 119 of ahousing plug 120. The latter is formed by an annular ring 121, aperturedat 119 to receive the lock-piu 117 and threadedly mounted in acorresponding socket 122 of the nipple housing 102, which socket isaxially aligned with, but of greater diameter than the bore 106, theannulus being formed with a pair of air passages 123, 124 to avoid anyvaporlock or vacuum force in the spring chamber 125.

Accordingly the locking pin 117 is seen to be extensible and retractablein its bore 119 in response to iluid pressure in the delivery linechannel 108. Desirably, pressure of the iuid flowing through the nippleassembly will exend the locking pin 117 in response to whateverpredetermined load the Spring 118 is set for and upon ow being turnedoif, the spring will again seat the lock-pin fwe valve unit 110. Thisprevents uncoupling of the assembly while fluid is flowing, as will beexplained.

The generally cylindrical, tubular collar C is formed with an anterior,radially projecting shoulder 126 which at its inner face 128 forms oneside of a peripheral trough or channel 130 which extends axially along amajor portion of the collar length and is tangentially drilled at 132 toreceive the roll pin 100 which, when seated in the nippled slideway 98,serves to lock the collar against rotational movement about the nippleA. The channel 130 is terminated by the radial wall 134 which forms oneend of a stepped section 136 of outer circumference equal to that of theshoulder 126, the raised portion in turn ending at a terminal flange orabutment shoulder 138. Disposed about the collai between the opposingshoulders 126 and 138 is an elastomeric bumper ring 140 formed of athicker band 142 frictionally seated in the trough 130, and a somewhatthinner extension 144 overlying the radially enlarged annulus 136. Aterminal bead 146, 14S about each edge makes the bumper easier to grasp,while the ring as a whole additionally serves to hold the roll pin inplace.

Outwardly projecting from the forward radial face 150 of the collar Care a pair of engaging lugs 152, 154, (FIG. 4), circuimferentiallypositioned 180 ap-art and of similar radial elevation and transversewidth and curvature to that of the nipple lugs 86, 88 and to the keys64, 66 of the sliding sleeve 16, so as to be insertable into the keyways78 rom the external face of the skin 10. The collar C is secured on thenipple (by means of the roll pin 100) in such position that the lugs152, k154 are at right angles to the nipple lugs 86, 88 (that is,rotated 90 therefrom), with -their lead edge lying along acircumferential line about the nipple S4 which also defines theposterior edge of the nipple lugs 86, 88.

Posterior to the lugs 152, 154, within the collar C, there is formed acircumferential channel V156 overlying the nipple body and serving tohouse a helical compression spring 92 having its opposing ends seatedagainst 'the nipple shoulder 96 and a forward inwardly projecting ange160 of the collar. The spring 92 -allows the collar and bumper unit tobe axially retracted along the nipple (i.e. without rotation) a distanceequal to the amount of laxial displacement of the nearer edge of thegroove 80 'of the housin-g 16 inward from the outer face of the latter.Accordingly the nipple end 84 may be inserted into the channel ofhousing 16 (pressing back the sleeve 56 against the spring 62) until thenipple-engaging lugs 86, 88 are received in lthe corresponding housingkeyways 78 and the lead edge of the locking lugs 152, 154 abut againstthe projecting outer face of housing 16 (i.e. ush with the skin (FIG.7). Then by inserting the nipple end 84 -into the housing the collar isautomatically retnacted against the spring 92 and the nipple lugs 86, 88are received in the inner peripheral channel 80 (FIG. 8). Then a 90rotation of the whole nipple assembly turns the lugs to the abutment pin82 and brings the locking lugs 152, 154 to the entrance of the keyways7S into which they enter with an audible snap by expansion of the spring92 (FIG. 9). From this locked position, an uncoupling is simply effectedby retracting the collar C to withdraw the lugs 152, `154, and thenrotating the nipple assembly 90 counterclockwise.

The nipple A itself is formed with a somewhat radially restricted,generally cylindrical aperture 162, its lead edge conveniently chamferedat 164 and its inner terminal formed by an angular shoulder 166 whichdefines the forward extremity of radially enlarged cylindrical chamber168 in which is housed an axially slidable, poppet valve 170.

The projecting, cylindrical nose 84 of the nipple lends itself toautomatic centering or mutual aligning of the two conduit lines beingconnected thereby, the chamfered or conical lead edge y164 pro-mitingeasy location of the 6, housing socket 76 so that the operator need notlook for it closely or precisely align it visually to obtain insertionof the nipple nose.

The poppet 170 (FIG. 12) conveniently made of corrosion resistant steel,is formed with `a generally cylindrical head section 172, an adjacentrestricted cylindrical neck 174 ladapted to receive a pair of sealingOrings 176, 17S (FIG. 2) and a subsequent cylindrical :section 180 ofthe same radius as section 172, all of which lare slidably receivedwithin channel 162, with the external face 182 of the poppet (which maybe either tlat or convex as desired) ydisposed substantially ilush withthe nipple end when the valve is in closed position, as when the nippleassembly is uncoupled. Posteriorly the poppet is formed with threeangularly rising shoulders `184, conveniently slanted from the axis,spaced circumferentially equidist-ant vapart and [adapted to :abutagainst the correspondingly sloped shoulder 166 when the poppet valve isseated in sealing position within the nipple. The respective shoulderscontinue longitudinally to the rear, forming ribs 186 which jointlydefine between them three corresponding concave ns 188, acircumferential line embracing the edges of the three ribs correspondingapproximately to the internal circumference `of the surrounding chamber168. The ns serve to guide the poppet for longitudinal movement withinthe chamber, while the concave channels formed parallel therebetween,direct uid iiow thereover when the poppet valve is in open position.Posteriorly each rib terminates in a cutout step or shoulder 190 andcentral stud `section 192 which jointly form a seat for one end of acoil spring 194.

The nipple assembly is completed by a rear closure plug 196 consistingof a flange 198 having an inwardly projecting, externally threaded neck200 adapted to be inserted into and threadedly engage the interior ofthe nipple housing at 202, being provided with a conventional sealingring 204. The plug body is drilled 'inward from its free end to form achamber 206 which seats the rear end of the spring 194 (which in turn atits forward extremity bears on the poppet 170). A narrower aperturednipple 210 projects outward from the opposite face of the ange toprovide threaded attachment for a conventional inlet fluid line similarto nipple 24.

Accordingly, the ilow of liquid through the coupled assemblies may betraced thus: Incoming Aiiuid enters the feed line nipple 210 throughbore 108 passing into the chamber 206 (in contact with the puppet spring194) then lengthwise `along the ns 186 which, as part of the poppetValve, have been axially retracted in chamber 168 by pressure of thecylindrical head 46 against the yforward 'face 182 :of the poppet B. Thehead section 172-180 of the poppet valve has likewise been displacedrearward from the aperture section 162 of the nipple A by reason of theinsertion of the nipple 84 into the flush coupling assembly, pressingback the keyed sleeve 56 so as to uncover the three apertures 48. Liquidaccordingly ows lengthwise along the outer tace of the puppet head 172--180, past the sealing rings 54 (now within the enlarged nipple chamber168 and no longer functioning as seals) and into the lateral apertures48 so as to be carried through the bore 30 through the neck sections 44,42 of the closure plug 22, and out the attachment nipple 24.

The iluid-pressureresponsive lock of FIG. 16 is set to operate at adetermined pressure measured by the seating tension or force of spring118. Higher pressure of iluid in the coupled lines thus causes thelocking pin 117 to project radially from the nipple housing 102 adjacentthe rear shoulder 138 of the locking collar C. This prevents retractionof the collar which could otherwise withdraw the seated lugs 152, 154from within the keyways 78, where their lodgment prevent rotaryuncoupling of the nipple assembly.

In the modification shown in FIGS. 13-15, the nipple end 84a is providedwith helically directed engaging lugs 212, 214 diametrically located onthe outer face thereof and spaced axially back from the abutment end12-16 of the nipple, similar to the corresponding lugs 86, 8S of theprevious embodiment. The lugs are adapted to be receivable incorrespondingly directed, quarter-turn grooves 218, 220 formed in theinner face of the tubular housing 16a. Otherwise this flush couplingassembly is constructed similar to that of FG. 1, with axial keyways73a, 79a for insertion of the engaging lugs 212, 2114 and (after 90rotation of the'nipple assembly) for insertion of the locking lugs15261, .1S-4a, of the locking collar into corresponding axial Ilteyways.

However, with this construction, the nipple in effect screwing into thecoupling, it Will be apparent that when it is not positively held seated(by locking lugs 152.1, 154:1), the force of the sleeve poppet springs62, 194 will tend to cause it to automatically unscrew or uncouple.Accordingly means are provided for remote disconnection of the same, bymeans of a lanyard 222 secured to the rear shoulder 138:1 of the lockingcollar.V Simply by pulling the lanyard (preferably at an angle to theaxis of the nipple coupling), the collar 224 is retracted against thespring 92a, withdrawing the locking lugs 152a 154a and prompting thenipple assembly to unwind or uncouple.

Although I have illustrated and described two preferred fonms of myinvention, I contemplate that various chan-ges and modifications can :bemade there-in without departing from the invention, the scope of whichis indicated by the following claim.

I claim:

A coupling assembly for aduid line comprising a tubular housing formedwith an annular axially'rprojecting, centrally apertured nipple section,and anv adjacent ,radially enlarged section, said vnipplesectionbeingformed with a diametrically positioned `pair of axially directed,engaging lugs projecting outward from its circumference and spacedaxially back from the free end thereof, said enlarged section beingformed externallyvwith a radially restricted neck adjacent said nippleand a tangentially directed dlat surface separated therefrom by aninterveningV shoulder so as to form an axial slideaway along the flatsurface for a transverse locking pin, a collar slidably mounted on saidenlarged section with a transverse pin tangentially traversing the samein sliding registration with said 'hat surface, intermediate its ends,said collar having a forward radial flange disposed about said nipplesection posterior to said engaging lugs, a coil compression springdisposed about the neck of said tubular section Within said collarbetween the inner face of the collar lflange and said shoulder, a pairof diametrically positioned, axially directed, locking lugs disposed onthe forward face of said collar lian-ge at positions of rotation fromlthe engaging lugs and having common radial height and segmentaldimensions therewith, and an elastomeric bumper ring externally disposedabout said collar so as simultaneously to retain said locking pin andprovide a manual engagement surface for axial movement of the collar.

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